password to install antivirus

[rchogan]

I am trying to install AVAST free antivirus software. After I finish downloading and try to open the program with GDebi package installer I am asked for a password. None of the user passwords are accepted. Suggestions welcomed.

[jayd512]

Hello and Welcome!

It should be asking for the root password.

[rchogan]

Thanks. I thought the root password was the word "root" but that doesn't work. ???

[jayd512]

What distro are you running? You should have been asked to set-up the root password during installation.

[rchogan]

I will have to check with the person who built this. I'll let you know. Thanks again.

[kewlharsh]

Just to try it out, you might open the terminal and type in -
sudo passwd
you will then be prompted to enter your current user password.
And then you will be prompted to enter a new password.
Again you will be prompted to enter the new password.
This should reset your root password. IMHO

[rchogan]

Thanks. That worked, and AGV 7.5 will now scan Ubuntu on demand.

[jmadero]

just a quick...point

antivirus software in linux is a bit unecessary, if you're dual booting maybe it's worth it, but if you're just running Linux, extremely unlikely you'll see anything, it's better just to have a firewall set up

[jayd512]

just a quick...point

antivirus software in linux is a bit unecessary, if you're dual booting maybe it's worth it, but if you're just running Linux, extremely unlikely you'll see anything, it's better just to have a firewall set up

True. The other main reason to have AV is if you plan on sharing files with a Windows machine.

[meton_magis]

Just a quick point, dont think that a firewall is a replacement for an anti-virus. They fill 2 completely different purposes. I still agree that an anti-virus is almost completely useless on linux ( a virus would need root permisions to run, and if it gets to that point, your hosed regardless. )

But a firewall is not meant for preventing you from downloading and running a virus, and it wont stop you from doing so. Also, if you are connected to a router (wired, not wireless) a firewall is also absolutely useless, because without a port forwarded, that packet will never get past your router to hit your firewall, and if you forwarded a port, there is a 99.999% chance you also poked the hole in your firewall.